Friday, July 28, 2017

Ah, the year was 2000, and while a lot of my friends were getting deep into new metal and other heavy forms of music, I was listening to punk rock and hardcore that was not on the radio. That’s why I picked up this record, Dropkick Murphys Singles Collection Volume 1. This is a record that came out right after “The Gang’s All Here”, and it’s one of the finer offerings that the band has put out. But before you groan about the fact that this is a collection and not an original release, consider that the tracks on this record were previously unreleased in CD format.

If you wanted to listen to the tracks found on Dropkick Murphys Singles Collection Volume 1, you would have to have been a vinyl record collector. I didn’t know a lot of people that did this when I was younger. I didn’t start collecting 7 inch records or any vinyl until I was out of college in 2007. Then I stopped in 2015 after I needed money. I also sold a lot of records in 2011 before I got divorced, as I needed money to fly out of the state I was in.

As far as Dropkick Murphys Singles Collection Volume 1, this record is a great collection of EP tracks, singles, and other songs that were released as part of the discography of the band up to 2000. Unless you had the “Ducky Boys” split, the “Anti-Heros” split, and the live records that the band had put out for their fans and previously unreleased tracks, you didn’t hear these, or didn’t have them. These were not put out on the records themselves, so you’ll enjoy the fact that the band was able to put on a showcase of their best work from their vinyl records, etc.

There are 24 songs on this compilation, and it highlights a lot of the early work from the Dropkick Murphys. Clocking in around an hour, you’re going to find that the Dropkick Murphys Singles Collection Volume 1 disc from Hellcat Records is a fine addition to your collection. If you already have all of the split vinyl editions of these, don’t buy this. But if you haven’t heard the live tracks, or want to complete your disc collection, or downloads, this is well worth your time.

Do you own Dropkick Murphys Singles Collection Volume 1 or listen to it on a regular? Drop me a line and let me know what your favorite tracks are from this classic collection of Dropkick Murphys tracks.

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

The year was 1999 when this record hit the music stores. March 9, 1999 and I was only 16 years old. I recall this album hitting the record stores and I didn’t buy it. My step-cousin Joseph purchased it and while I was trapped in a cycle of Christian punk and hardcore records, as well as dreaming of how to start a record label, he was collecting records faster than I ever could before I moved out of my mom’s house. This record first got me as a teen, as I had to record videos from Punk O Rama Television, and eventually call the Epitaph hotline. Suffice to say, that by 1999, I fell in love with all things punk rock, and in the summer, finally picked up “The Gang’s All Here”. I went back to listen to it today, for this review, and can truly say it’s one of the finer records from Dropkick Murphys.

As you listen to the record, you are not going to really notice many singles. There wasn’t that many. “10 Years of Service” was the only major single and video on the record, but that didn’t matter to me, every song on this record stands out with sing-a-long choruses, and a punk rock attitude that I still have in my soul today. From the opening moments of “Roll Call” To “Devil’s Brigade”, you are thrown in for an eclectic blend of powerful punk rock tunes and Boston based working class ethos. The band puts on a showcase of their best work in this record, even if All Barr had replaced original singer Mike McColgan. I loved this record, and for 42 minutes, you’re going to love it too.

If nothing else, you should definitely check out this record for the awesome “Amazing Grace” tune with bagpipes and all. This is one record that is heavy, but not like the rest of their discography. It’s well produced, well rounded, and high quality. Lars Frederiksen and Hellcat Records did really good with the recording of this one, and I’m still a fan after all of these years.

Saturday, July 22, 2017

Music is the life blood that connects so many people. Regardless of language, culture, and other things that separate us, music continues to bridge the gap in many instances. It’s for that reason that I have decided to return to this blog. Starting next week sometime, I will be adding more reviews, content, and updates.

I have purchased a new pair of headphones, booked a trip to Spokane and Las Vegas, and will be listening to a lot more records. Today, for instance, I paid close attention to the discography of The Dropkick Murphys and have found new love for their previous work. I already loved it, but now even more.

Right now I’m listening to the new Rancid, and will be reviewing that. I’ll also be highlighting any independent artist that I can find, and of course if you drop me a few bucks, I’ll pay attention to you too. If you have emailed me in the past, or currently, I’m going to catch up with your stuff sooner than later. For now, just hold tight as I figure out my next course of action, which will involve a lot more writing, and music recommendations. Of course, you can support this blog by donating to the cause through paypal, message me, or buy something through the amazon links.

I’ll return, in a few days with a new review, and then just keep posting as fast I can, or whatever it is I do.

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Sell Out Records is a review blog about music. I listen to music, write reviews, and show you where you can pick them up, listen to them, and the likes. I am just a guy that loves music above a lot of things.